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Correspondence

02 May 2019
Letter to the Editor
02 October 2019
Volume 24 · Issue 10

In response to Ramplin C. Establishing a structured plan to provide high-quality end-of-life care in community setting. Br J Community Nurs. 2019; 24(3):120–127. 10.12968/bjcn.2019.24.3.120

Thanks to Charlotte for her comprehensive presentation of the 19-step end-of-life care plan. As clearly highlighted in the article, supporting somebody at home at the end of their life is extremely complex and requires a specialist body of knowledge, together with advanced communication, interpersonal and collaborative working skills.

We must never underestimate the fact that the care and support offered at the end of somebody's life form memories in the future.

As a guest in patients’ homes, district nurses/community nurses are in such a privileged position to support the patients and their families, at a difficult time in their lives.The specialist knowledge base that underpins such care and support is helpfully reflected in the 19-step care plan.

Using the 19 steps as a helpful ‘aide memoire’, predicated on this specialist body of knowledge and advanced skills, will ensure that the plan will not be at risk of being used as a ‘tick list’.

Accountability for such care must be made explicit

Response

I am extremely pleased that the article was so well received. The community setting is becoming the preferred place of care for so many people at the end of life now and, as healthcare professionals, it is an honour to be part of their final journey.

End-of-life care is something I am passionate about, and to be able to share my vision for high-quality care within the nursing community is a privilege.